Councillor Neil Jones moved for the provider to undertake an audit on the condition of its infrastructure, replacement strategies and maintenance timelines.

Council staff recommended a meeting with the electricity provider to discuss programs.

Cr Jones said the matter had been raised within the access committee.

“Given the difficulties in online reporting to Essential Energy, it’s taken two to three months to see a solution,” he said.

Councillor Jason Hamling reported lights sometimes turned off after a car passed, while councillor Glenn Taylor suggested reviving a past solution to erect pedestrian lighting where overgrown trees blocked out street lights. 

Essential Energy south eastern regional manager Phillip Green said Essential Energy maintained about 4700 street lights across Orange and had reports of 12 not operating.

“None of these reports of street light faults have been outstanding for longer than eight days,” he said. 

Mr Green said a street light near the corner of Summer and Sale streets had been disconnected due to private construction work, but it was expected to be online by the end of June. 

He also said a three-yearly bulk lamp replacement program was due to start in April, but storm recovery efforts had delayed the program until June.

“All lamps will be replaced and functional checks conducted,” he said.

Mr Green said an inventory was provided on a monthly basis and the council was part of a consultative committee.

For street light faults, call Essential Energy on 132 080 or visit www.essentialenergy.com.au/streetlight.

Where are the darkest places in Orange? Email danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au.